Which Label Faces Fines For Its Messy Office?

Rebecca Minkoff faces fines of $77,000 by the US Department of Labor for "wilful and serious violations of workplace safety standards" at the American label's Manhattan head office. The charges follow a visit by American government's Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which was prompted by complaints from employees.

The offices were found to be "overcrowded and congested with boxes, rolling racks, workstations, chairs, equipment, storage and other materials", as the OSHA's report described - with no clear entry to the emergency exits. The brand has 15 days to change its existing working environment and to pay the proposed fines.

"Workers may have only seconds to escape in the event of a fire or other emergency. It's critical to maintain swift, clear access to emergency exits, and it is a requirement under the law," said Kay Gee, OSHA's area director in Manhattan. "Management knew of the hazard of compromised emergency exit access, yet allowed the hazard to continue. Because of that, we are proposing the maximum fines allowable for the wilful and serious violations."